“That is the first time in roundtable history that the word ‘gnarly' has been used in an acceptance speech,” said emcee (and Times Sports Production Editor) Mike McKean at the weekly luncheon of the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Roundtable at Giavanni's Pizza in Orcutt.

He had just presented the male Athlete of the Week award to Cody Lathouwers, a Righetti boys water polo player.

Last week Lathouwers scored five goals against Paso Robles and three against Atascadero as the Warriors moved to 3-1 in the PAC 7.

In his comments, Lathouwers was already looking forward to the big nighttime showdown against Arroyo Grande on Oct. 23 at Paul Nelson Pool.

Nathalia Chaddad from Santa Ynez did something many people have not been able to do in the past couple years - defeat St. Joseph's Ane McPike in a tennis set.

The exchange student from Brazil won all three of her sets in a match against the Knights last week, to help Santa Ynez move into first place all alone in the Los Padres League.

For her efforts Chaddad was named the female Athlete of the Week.

Advertisement

Allan Hancock

Football coach Kris Dutra talked about the Bulldog 34-17 loss at Bakersfield.

“It was tied 10-10 at half-time and it should of been 21-10,” Dutra said. “In the second half our kids came out flat which is not characteristic of a Hancock team.”

This week the Bulldogs travel to Pasadena.

Dutra began a trend at the end of his comments.

“Stay healthy and good luck,” he said.

Cabrillo

Football coach Craig Knowles liked most of what he saw on Friday in the Conqs' 28-20 win over Santa Ynez.

“We played well for three and a half quarters,” Knowles said.

Knowles introduced his leading running back Brandon Whittaker, who also plays free safety and his all-everything lineman David Kulp.

“Good luck and stay healthy,” Knowles closed with.

Tennis co-captain Julie Leyva spoke for her team and introduced Cabrillo's number two doubles team, Lanae Magers, “she's the senior captain, she should be up here,” and Katy Carlson.

Pioneer Valley

“The defense played extremely well and gave us the ball a couple times in the first quarter in good field position,” said Panthers football coach Greg Dickinson.

Dickinson introduced a defensive tackle who had a good game, junior Luis Martinez.

Senior Albert Squires came in at tailback when Dan Ando was hurt and had a big night, “His motor never stops.”

The Panthers go to Cabrillo on Friday.

“They have a ton of speed and some big ol' linemen and it should be a great football game,” Dickinson said. “Good luck to everybody and stay healthy.”

Righetti

Water polo team captain Eric Tucker introduced teammates Josh Grall, Taylor Johnson, Vincent Martel and Lathouwers.

With a game against San Luis Obispo, the Warriors are looking forward to the showdown with Arroyo Grande.

“That's basically the championship game,” said Tucker. “If we win that then we will tie with them for league and then it's off to CIF.”

St. Joseph

Football coach Mike Hartman said with Homecoming the offense started slowly in the win over Santa Maria, but it was a different story on the other side of the ball.

“The defense came out and did a fantastic job right off the bat,” Hartman said.

He introduced three juniors, free safety and receiver Jason Buchanan - with three interceptions in league play, multi-purpose player K.J. Cusack and defensive lineman and tight end Steve Buhring.

“He said, ‘coach I want to play tight end, I can catch the ball - coach let me try to catch the ball'” Hartman explained about Buhring. “We finally relented - he can catch the ball.

“Thank you to the Roundtable and everybody stay healthy.”

Athletic director John Osborne first presented tennis as he introduced a member of the number one doubles team junior Sammy White and the number two singles player Frankie Eszes.

The Knights are in second place after losing to Santa Ynez last week.

“We play them the last day of the season and we hope to return the favor,” Osborne said.

From the first year water polo team Osborne introduced Jordan Murphy and Jake Eszes.

Murphy's, “work ethic is off the charts,” and Eszes, “has great lateral movement and is going to become an outstanding water polo player.”

Santa Maria

Water polo coach Jamie McGray presented Damian Juarez from her much improved team.

“He plays where ever I need him,” McGray said about her utility player. “And I brought him today because he did a great job in the Santa Ynez game.”

McGray said her junior varsity team placed third in a weekend tournament at Arroyo Grande and her varsity team took fifth in Thousand Oaks.

Tennis coach Ginny Barnett said her team is very young.

“We have five sophomores including two that have never played tennis before, but are at the varsity level because they are great athletes.”

Barnett introduced doubles partners senior Diana Garcia and junior Maureen DeChico.

“I kind of feel like I have to tell everybody to stay healthy,” Barnett quipped. “That seems to be the theme today.”

Santa Ynez

Co-football coach Brian Wallace talked about all three of the sports represented at the luncheon.

First he introduced four players who have done a good job for his football team - cornerback Rowan Dimase, offensive tackle Jared Valdes, and linebackers Alex Orosz and Jeff Sellars.

In tennis, Chaddad, number one doubles player Lauren Swift and number two doubles player Erica Schroeder are all undefeated in league play, while the team is ranked number four in CIF.

Water polo is ranked in the top 10 at 13-5 and is led by senior captain Simon Haws and senior Stanford Nash, who has scored more than 35 goals this season.

Valley Christian

Athletic director Pete Fortier introduced two sophomores, offensive and defensive lineman Bryson Scheetz and defensive back/defensive end Louie Caric.

Fortier tried to fill his bye week but was unable to find an opponent.

This week the Lions travel to Cuyama.

q Sports writer Brad Memberto can be reached at 737-1055 or by e-mail to bmemberto@santamariatimes.com

Oct. 14, 2008